Mother Found Guilty of Poisoning Son to Death with Antidepressants on New Year’s Eve
Gruesome Murder Shocks Oldham Community
Claire Scanlon, 38, has been convicted of murdering her five-year-old son, Dylan, by poisoning him with her prescribed antidepressants. The harrowing tragedy unfolded on New Year’s Eve 2021 at their Elm Road home in Oldham.
Last Moments and Disturbing Evidence
On the night of the crime, Scanlon fled to her uncle’s house across the road, telling family Dylan was unresponsive. Relatives rushed over to find the young boy dead in his bedroom, his body covered in bruises.
A neighbour had heard Claire and Dylan’s voices earlier that morning — the final time anyone heard from the boy alive. In the days before Dylan’s death, Scanlon sent abusive messages and voicemails to his father threatening he would never see his son again.
Chilling Plot and Poison Uncovered
Investigators found a chilling note in the house indicating Scanlon planned for both herself and Dylan to die. She lied to paramedics and family about the bruises, attempting to hide the fact she had beaten him and poisoned him with Mirtazapine — the antidepressant she was taking.
Toxicology revealed Dylan’s Mirtazapine levels were nine times the fatal adult dose, confirming he had been deliberately poisoned.
Court Verdict and Family Tribute
Following a trial at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester, Scanlon was found guilty of murder. Senior Crown Prosecutor Nicola Carter expressed sympathy for Dylan’s grieving family, including his father, grandfather, and brother who bravely testified.
“Her actions utterly betrayed her duty to love and protect her son,” said Carter.
Dylan’s father paid a heartfelt tribute, calling his son his “best friend” and a “happy, funny, cheeky little boy.” He spoke of the deep pain felt by family and friends, especially Dylan’s brother, who shared a close bond with him.
Warning Over Protecting Vulnerable Children
The case has sparked urgent calls for better safeguards to protect vulnerable children from abuse and harm, highlighting the tragic consequences when trust is broken in the most devastating way.
